FCS National Award Watch Lists

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Southeastern Louisiana University freshman Jordan Wells was one of four players from the Football Championship Subdivision added to the Jerry Rice Award Watch List on Wednesday in an announcement by the Sports Network.

The inaugural award, which is presented by the Sports Network and sponsored by Fathead.com, honors the outstanding freshman in FCS. Wells is one of 20 freshmen on the list and was joined by new additions Christian Bryan of Youngstown State, Neal Sterling of Monmouth and Taylor Heinicke of Old Dominion.

A redshirt freshman from Round Rock, Texas, Wells has already set Southeastern and Southland Conference single-season records with 1,171 yards in kickoff returns while averaging 26.6 yards per attempt. Wells ran back nine kicks for a season-high 265 yards – the second-best total among FCS players this season – last week at Central Arkansas, including a season-best 91-yard return.

Wells opened the season with 224 yards in returns against Tulane, including returns of 46 and 44 yards. He added a 67-yard return in consecutive games against McNeese State and Lamar and added a 44-yard return against Savannah State.

A national panel of sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries will select the first Jerry Rice Award winner after the regular season. The legendary wide receiver, who played in the FCS (then Division I-AA) at Mississippi Valley State, will be on hand at the national awards banquet on Jan. 6 in Frisco, Texas, to present the new award.